With all the pattern updates I have done so far over the last year, this is one that I have been most anticipating. Originally released in the fall of 2015 and called Alexander Casey, this pattern is re-releasing today with the new name, Malpeque Bay. This update includes completely re-drafted pattern pieces for a slimmer fitting leg, more tailored fit, and a new pocket and shorts length.

When I originally design this pant, it was to meet a personal need. My oldest son is sensitive to the way clothes feel, and it was getting more and more difficult to find pants (or socks, or shoes...) that he felt comfortable in. He didn't like to wear anything with buttons or functioning flies, nor did he like certain fabrics or pockets that he could feel on the inside of the pant legs. The best store-bought pants for him were elastic waist, cotton pants... as long as they didn't have cargo pockets (because that felt "weird"). These were not as easy to find as you might think, and the problem was even more of a challenge due to his lanky body frame. And so, I did what any designer would do, and simply made some pants specifically for him. Those pants were Alexander Casey.

My original goal when I first designed these pants, was to have something that would be fast to make, easy to print and assemble, and was simply about comfort. If my son was happy, I was happy! As I've continued to grow as a designer over the last few years, I knew this design could be made better. I've been anxious to really dig in and make improvements to the original... and I believe I have accomplished that with Malpeque Bay.

The update to this pattern includes all new pattern pieces, re-drafted from scratch for a more tailored fit. This pattern (still) features a flat front and elastic back. There are separate pattern pieces for the front and back that result in a slimmer leg and better crotch fit than the original design. The shorts length is now designed to fall just at or above the knee. The update includes the original extended below-the-knee Panel Pockets that has always really shown off a contrasting fabric in a very unique way, PLUS an all new, slightly shorter Patch Pocket.

One final new addition to the updated pattern is that the instructions now include how to use button-hole elastic, making the pants adjustable for those skinny kiddos (at least the ones that don't mind the feel of buttons, or anything else, on the inside of their pants!)

There are two ways to really love this pattern. One is to pick a really bold and fun woven printed fabric and make those pockets a real showcase. There are so many fantastic cotton prints out there that really appeal to boys, and these pockets are the perfect way to show them off. On the other hand, this pant is also fabulous in all-matching fabric too! As the pockets are on the outside of the pant instead of the inside, you can use contrasting stitching to really give them a professional and mature finish.

Malpeque Bay will be on SALE through March 6th, for only $6.00cnd.And don't forget to join the Group on Facebook to watch for upcoming release announcements!

I have more pattern updates that I'm already working on in anticipation of Spring. Be sure to keep your eyes open for more from Pollywoggles over the next few months!

EVERYONE who has purchased any of the updated patterns in the past, or buys between now and when an updated is released, will get the update for no additional cost! All those who already own Alexander Casey have already been sent an email with the update. If you have not gotten it, please check your email spam/junk folder, and if it isn't there then contact me and I will make sure that you get it.

Heidi

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Hi ​there!

Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the digital world. When I'm not designing (or, more likely, attempting to keep up with housework or schooling my three rug rats!) you'll probably find me with my nose in a book, escaping for a few precious moments into a world of fiction or learning with single-minded focus about my latest interest. Here, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I'm currently working on and a bit about all the ways I like to keep my creative juices flowing!